Essay Planning Worksheet

Essay Planning Essentials

Carefully read each question and follow the instructions to plan your essay. This worksheet will guide you through the essential steps of preparing to write a strong essay.

Writing Prompt: Think about a time you learned a valuable lesson. Write an essay explaining what the lesson was, how you learned it, and why it was important to you.

1. Brainstorming: List at least three different lessons you have learned. Choose one to focus on for your essay.

Lesson 1:  

Lesson 2:  

Lesson 3:  

My chosen lesson:  

2. Thesis Statement: A thesis statement is the main idea of your essay, usually one clear sentence. It tells the reader what your essay will be about. Based on your chosen lesson, write a thesis statement for your essay.

My Thesis Statement:

3. Outlining: Fill in the blanks to create a simple outline for your essay. Remember to include key details.

Introduction:

Hook (How will you grab the reader's attention?):  

Background Information:  

Thesis Statement (from Q2):  

Body Paragraph 1: How you learned the lesson

Main Idea:  

Supporting Detail 1:  

Supporting Detail 2:  

Body Paragraph 2: Why the lesson was important

Main Idea:  

Supporting Detail 1:  

Supporting Detail 2:  

Conclusion:

Restate Thesis in new words:  

Summarize main points:  

Concluding thought/message:  

4. Decide if the following statements about essay planning are True or False.

A. You should always write your essay introduction before anything else.

B. Brainstorming helps you generate ideas before you start writing.

C. A strong thesis statement should be a question.

5. Which of the following is NOT typically part of the essay planning process?

6. Why is it important to plan your essay before you start writing? Explain in 2-3 sentences.